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Liverpool forward and Egyptian icon Mohamed Salah has once again used his global platform to draw attention to the human cost of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. On Saturday, Salah publicly questioned the European football governing body UEFA’s tribute to Suleiman al-Obeid — a revered Palestinian footballer nicknamed the “Palestinian Pelé” — after the 41-year-old was killed in an Israeli attack earlier this week.
The Egyptian star’s pointed response to UEFA’s social media post was brief but powerful:
His remark has since reverberated across social media, sparking widespread debate about the role of sports bodies in acknowledging not just the legacy but also the circumstances surrounding the deaths of athletes in conflict zones.
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The Death of Suleiman al-Obeid
According to a report from Al Jazeera, Suleiman al-Obeid died on Wednesday when Israeli forces attacked people waiting near an aid distribution centre in southern Gaza. The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) stated that the former national team midfielder and Khadamat al-Shati club star was “martyred after the [Israeli] occupation forces targeted those waiting for humanitarian aid in the southern Gaza Strip.”
Obeid’s death is part of a larger and grim toll on the sporting community in Palestine. The PFA reports that at least 421 footballers, including 103 children, have been killed since the beginning of the conflict. They further state that 288 sports facilities in Gaza and the West Bank have been damaged or destroyed.
The Guardian has reported that at least 662 sportspeople and their relatives have died during the war, underscoring the scale of devastation not just for civilians but also for the athletic community.
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UEFA’s Tribute and Salah’s Response
UEFA’s original post read:
While many saw the post as a heartfelt farewell, Salah’s reply highlighted what he perceived as a glaring omission: the cause and context of Obeid’s death. By asking “how he died, where, and why,” Salah pointed to the reality that tributes can sometimes depoliticize events in ways that obscure the truth.
The Egyptian’s intervention has drawn both praise and criticism online. Supporters argue that Salah is using his influence responsibly to ensure that the truth about conditions in Gaza is not softened for public consumption. Critics, however, suggest that sports organizations like UEFA avoid political specifics in their tributes to maintain neutrality.
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Salah’s Record of Speaking Out
This is not the first time Mohamed Salah has expressed solidarity with the people of Gaza and spoken out against the violence in Palestine.
In October 2023, after the deadly explosion at the al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City that killed nearly 500 people, Salah released a statement on social media:
His message was widely shared, and while it drew admiration from those who appreciated his willingness to speak out, it also attracted criticism from those who saw it as stepping into political controversy.
The Broader Context: Gaza Under Siege
Suleiman al-Obeid’s death comes against the backdrop of a prolonged and devastating conflict that has ravaged Gaza for nearly two years. On Saturday, international condemnation grew after Israel announced a military takeover of Gaza City.
Health officials in the territory reported that, in just the past 24 hours, 11 Palestinians seeking aid were shot dead and 11 adults died from malnutrition-related causes. These figures add to the already staggering humanitarian toll of the war.
Aid agencies continue to plead for far greater access to food, water, and medical supplies for the besieged population. Despite occasional aid convoys being allowed through, humanitarian organizations say the amount is nowhere near enough to address the desperate needs of civilians.
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Suleiman al-Obeid: A Sporting Icon in Palestine
Nicknamed the “Palestinian Pelé” for his dazzling skills and creative flair, Obeid was more than just an athlete — he was a source of hope and pride for his community. He played for the Gaza-based Khadamat al-Shati club and represented the Palestinian national team, becoming a symbol of perseverance in a region where opportunities for athletes are severely limited by political and military realities.
Even in times of crisis, Obeid’s presence on the pitch inspired young Palestinians to dream beyond their circumstances. His death is a blow not only to Palestinian football but also to a generation that saw him as proof that talent could emerge and flourish despite the odds.
Sports and Politics: The Ongoing Debate
Salah’s reaction to UEFA’s tribute raises broader questions about the intersection of sports and politics. While many governing bodies, including UEFA, claim to maintain neutrality, critics argue that silence or omission in such circumstances can itself be a political stance.
Tributes that omit the cause of death for athletes killed in war risk sanitizing the reality of conflict. On the other hand, some argue that sports organizations should avoid making statements that could be perceived as politically biased, focusing instead on celebrating the athlete’s achievements.
In Salah’s view, however, acknowledging the truth of Obeid’s death is not political posturing but a necessary act of honesty. His comments reflect a growing belief among athletes worldwide that their platforms can — and should — be used to highlight injustice.
Global Reactions
Salah’s post has drawn responses from fans, journalists, and fellow athletes around the world. Some have praised his courage for challenging UEFA directly, while others have criticized him for what they perceive as politicizing a sporting tribute.
In Palestine, Salah’s statement has been warmly received. Local sports bodies and fans expressed gratitude for his willingness to speak out, with many saying it helps keep the plight of Palestinians in the international spotlight.
UEFA has not issued a follow-up statement in response to Salah’s comment at the time of writing.
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Athletes as Advocates
Salah’s intervention is part of a broader trend of athletes using their influence to speak on issues far beyond their sport. From Marcus Rashford’s campaign to end child hunger in the UK to LeBron James’ advocacy on racial justice in the US, high-profile players increasingly see their roles as extending beyond the field.
For Salah, a global Muslim and African footballing icon, the crisis in Gaza holds particular resonance. His words carry weight not just among Liverpool supporters or Egyptian fans but across the Middle East and the wider football community.
Conclusion: A Moment That Goes Beyond Football
Mohamed Salah’s question to UEFA about Suleiman al-Obeid’s death is about more than a social media post. It’s a challenge to the tendency of global sports organizations to avoid confronting the harsh realities behind the loss of athletes in conflict zones.
For many, Salah’s stance is a reminder that sports and politics are often inseparable — especially when the lives of sportspeople are cut short by war. Whether UEFA responds or not, his words have ensured that the world knows not just that Suleiman al-Obeid has died, but also that his death was the result of violence in Gaza.
In doing so, Salah has amplified the call for accountability and truth, using the global language of football to speak to an issue that transcends the game.
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